I got a note out out of the clear blue thanking me for not tearing her down as a young African American Woman that is trying to learn about life. I saw her as a focused young woman that inspired me by her journey of faith and her decision to attend a Christian College in order to stay connected. She invited me to attend a Bible Study and to my surprise there were a lot of young people that were on a similar path and excited about what God was doing their lives. [Read more…]

Central Illinois Business Magazine
40 under 40 Winner

Shandra Summerville, 38

Community involvement: Urbana schools TALKS mentor; Canaan’s Women’s Safe House steering committee; Champaign County NAACP executive committee; participant in United Way of Champaign County’s Emerging Community Leaders program; 2010 eBlack CU Difference Maker; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.; National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health; Walk as ONE Community Coalition; active member of Canaan Baptist Church.

Proudest professional accomplishment: I was accepted into the Georgetown University Leadership Academy to Address Disparities in Mental Health Care.

I attribute my success to: My faith, my family and my friends, and the ability to work with different personalities with big ideas on a limited budget.

Important professional lesson: Never burn bridges. You may have to cross them again.

A word from the nominator: “She is an outstanding leader. She also is committed to community service. She strives to give back in all that she does and always with a smile.” — Christopher Hamb, owner of Chrisp Media LLC and friend of the nominee

(Central Illinois Business Magazine November Issue)

 

As a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant,  a part of our training was to do a checkup from the neck up. It was making sure not only our outer appearance was on point, it included our mindset. We had to be excited about the opportunity to enrich someone’s life. [Read more…]